Important Terms (Vitamins and Coenzymes)

Coenzymes Small organic molecules that function together with enzymes to catalyze specific types of chemical reactions.

Growth factor A material needed in small amounts for growth of an organism. Growth factors for animals are vitamins but other substances may also be growth factors for bacteria, yeasts, etc.

Prosthetic groups Coenzymes or similar cocatalytic groups that are firmly attached, usually by covalent linkages, to enzymes.

Vitamins Naturally occurring organic compounds that for human beings are essential nutrients in very small amounts. Vitamins are often components of coenzymes and prosthetic groups.

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